Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a group of Shiite Muslims joined together to stage a peaceful procession to memorialize the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, and they were reportedly intimidated and harassed by Nigerian soldiers and police officers on Wednesday in Katsina State.

According to the statement, “reports from Katsina have indicated that the Nigerian army is amassing troops in an attempt at a clampdown on the Islamic Movement in the town.”

The event was said to take place annually, An official statement from IMN, signed by the president of the IMN Media Forum Ibrahim Musa, expressed fear that intimidation by the security agencies could result in violence directed toward the group.